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If you’re looking to upgrade your old mattress, then you’ve likely considered getting a mattress topper. In this guide, we give you a basic overview of what a mattress topper is. We cover the lifespan, cost, and the pros and cons of different types of mattress toppers so you can decide for yourself if buying one is the right move for you.
What Is a Mattress Topper?
A mattress topper is an additional layer that you can purchase separately from your mattress. It lies on top of the mattress to provide extra comfort and body support. It’s 2 to 4 inches thick and is available in the same sizes as mattresses. For example, you can find toppers in twin XL, full XL, standard queen, and California king.
This extra layer improves the feel of your bed. If you want a more comfortable bed, or you want it to be colder, softer, or firmer, you may pick a mattress topper that fits your sleeping and body preferences.
Common types have one layer but you may find ones with two layers on the market – one for cushioning and the other for body support. They are aesthetically pleasing and sometimes they come with removable covers, while others are stitched with a cotton or polyester top layer.
Height and stability
Their height goes up to 4 inches, and the tallest toppers may even compare with low-profile mattresses. Mattress toppers provide a few extra inches to your overall bed height – so that’s one idea if you need to make your bed slightly higher.
Toppers are more stable than other mattress covers because they are heavier and often equipped with elastic straps on all corners. It prevents the sleeping surface from unwanted movement and minimizes noise made by friction between two different materials.
Firmness and upgrade
Toppers adjust the firmness of your mattress if it doesn’t already provide the comfort you need. If you need your mattress to be firmer, you may opt for latex toppers. Memory foam toppers can make your sleep surface firmer or softer, depending on the material density. Latex and memory foam toppers usually have removable covers, which you may wash with your bedding.
By adding a mattress topper to your bed, you are adding one thick layer – your mattress becomes upgraded and gets the characteristics of a more costly mattress. Toppers can be swapped out or removed as needed, unlike mattresses. You can just put it back on in the winter if it gets too warm in the summer.
Pressure relief
If you suffer from joint pain and need a mattress topper for pressure relief – memory foam or latex may be your choice of materials. A deeply quilted mattress topper filled with feathers or wool fabrics will make your bed feel soft and cozy.
Mattress toppers have a protective role that prolongs the lifespan of an existing mattress. They protect the original mattress surface from physical damage, and most of them are hypoallergenic.
Allergy-relief
Many toppers offer a certain level of moisture resistance, and they are the first line of defense preventing dust mites, bed bugs, and mold from getting into your mattress. Most feather toppers have an allergen-free warranty that informs feathers and downs are hygienically processed. Therefore, these toppers are 100% hypoallergenic.
Different needs of sleeping partners
Toppers will help if you and your sleeping partner have different sleeping requirements; if your partner sleeps on a firm mattress, which is too stiff for you, use a softer mattress topper on your side. Also if the mattress is noisy, a wool or feather mattress topper may mute any sounds.
What toppers are not
Many people confuse toppers with mattress pads and protectors. The difference between these bedding accessories is that pads and protectors are mainly for protecting your mattress from spillage, moisture, dust, etc., while toppers add an extra layer of cushioning which changes how your bed feels.
Does a mattress topper go under the sheets?
Yes, the mattress topper fits on your mattress and underneath your sheets.
When using a mattress topper, strip off your bed completely, remove the mattress protector and sheets, place it directly on the mattress, and center it where you want it to be. Put other accessories back, such as sheets, mattress pads, and mattress protectors.
Sheets help hold a tight structure of your bed by adding a thin layer to the topper cushioning. The purpose of the sheets is to be the first thing to touch the sleeper’s skin, and because of this, they are made of more comfortable materials than toppers. Aesthetically speaking, clean and fresh sheets are a perfect invitation to Dreamland.
Cost and lifespan of mattress toppers
Most mattress toppers last for 3 to 4 years before they need replacement. High-quality toppers could last upwards of 6-8 years if they are well cared for. Lower quality toppers may last only 1 to 2 years. The lifespan of toppers depends on the quality of the materials they are made from, cleaning, storing, and frequency of use. If you maintain them properly, you will prolong their lifespan for months or even years.
Mattresses are expensive investments, so you could use a mattress topper to protect your mattress or attempt to revive an old one. In either case, a mattress topper costs significantly less than a new mattress. High-quality mattress toppers are reaching a price of a couple of hundred dollars. Nevertheless, changing a mattress topper every couple of years is a smaller investment than buying a new mattress.
Mattress toppers make your bed more comfortable and offer a certain level of mattress protection.
Different Types of Mattress Toppers
Toppers can be made of various materials and each type offers different benefits. Choosing the best mattress topper shouldn’t be a difficult task if you know what kind of comfort you want.
For a firm sleeping surface, you may opt for latex or memory foam toppers as they are usually the firmest. Memory foam mattress toppers can be really thick but also really thin, and since foam density varies greatly, different types of sleepers could find a memory foam topper that works for them. If you want the most natural materials, you should opt for wool or feather mattress toppers.
To simplify your choice, here’s each topper type in more detail.
Memory foam toppers
Memory foam toppers are quite popular. They are made of a highly-adaptive material suitable for most sleepers. Mattress toppers made of memory foam conform to the shape of your body. As you sleep, it cradles your joints and relieves pressure points.
A top-quality memory foam topper is ideal for cold and/or restless sleepers or those who sleep in only one position. It can be firm or soft – it all depends on the density of the foam used in the topper’s construction.
Memory foam also comes in handy when one sleeping partner moves a lot because it isolates motion. Therefore, those who have partners who wake up at night or toss and turn in bed might find it beneficial to invest in one.
Memory foam contours to your body and reduces motion transfer. It’s a warm material because it accumulates body heat and doesn’t allow it to dissipate. It’s also not breathable and that’s why some companies are making egg crate toppers shaped like, well, egg crates. This helps increase airflow.
Gel-infused memory foam mattress toppers are available for hot sleepers. The gel doesn’t actually cool you down, but it gets warm very slowly, creating a feeling of coolness. Once it finally warms up, it’s the same as any other foam topper. A thicker memory foam mattress topper is the softer one – the comfort of your bed feels firmer if you use a thinner memory foam mattress topper with high density.
Apart from heat retention, the main problem with memory foam toppers is wearing out in areas where you always sleep. Ideally, you should rotate a memory foam mattress topper once in a while to avoid this.
Latex mattress toppers
Latex is a high-quality durable material; it has a fast motion response and more bounce than other mattress topper materials. Natural latex mattress toppers have a natural resistance to mold and allergens.
Natural latex doesn’t trap heat as memory foam does, and its body-supportive ability is why physical therapists and chiropractors recommend latex toppers. In addition to reducing pressure points, latex toppers reduce other pain, such as lower back pain.
Mattress toppers containing natural latex are among the most expensive ones. The key reasons people prefer latex toppers to other types include the bouncy feel of the topper, pressure relief, temperature regulation, and durability. This also makes them an excellent choice for heavier sleepers.
Wool mattress toppers
Wool mattress toppers are heavier to find on the market than other types, and they are not so budget-friendly. Wool has insulating properties that keep your body at optimal temperature. Wool mattress toppers should keep you comfy regardless of the temperature outside.
Wool fabrics are extremely soft but resistant, and after stretching out they easily bend back – this characteristic makes wool toppers quite durable and ultimately fluffy.
As an organic fabric, wool is non-allergenic. Thanks to its natural hydrophilic properties, wool naturally wicks away moisture. Moreover, it’s super breathable and as a result, water is drawn away from the sleeper’s body and easily evaporated – if we compare wool to other materials, this property gives it a great advantage.
You will stay warm by sleeping on the wool mattress topper because it removes moisture from the skin and its fibers let moisture pass through them without retaining water. The wool topper creates a soft feel, and natural thermoregulation makes them appropriate for all seasons of the year. Some of these toppers are 100% wool, and some types are combined with cotton or microfibers.
Feather mattress toppers
Feather toppers are ideal for sleepers who enjoy plush toppers. These toppers are the first choice for sleepers that prefer softer sleeping surfaces and organic materials. High-quality toppers made of feathers often have two chambers.
The top chamber has a softer feel in cushioning, while the bottom one is firmer and prevents the body from sinking and the topper from sagging, which is a prerequisite for restful sleep. Down toppers are very soft. If they contain only one layer of down, they don’t always provide the support that can relieve pressure.
Feather toppers, also known as featherbeds, are fully responsive and commonly made with a mix of down and feathers. If you want a firmer topper, you should choose one with a higher percentage of feathers. Many of them are made so that the feathers are on the side and bottom part of the topper for support. Down is placed in the middle and upper layer for a soft feeling.
A feather mattress topper is very light, and in most cases, the corners of the topper have elastic straps that help it stay in place. This is very practical if you often change positions while sleeping. A woven cover prevents down and feathers from escaping. Feathers and down toppers are present in many luxury hotels because they provide a soft cuddly feel.
How to Clean a Mattress Topper?
Topper cleaning depends on the materials a topper is made of and on specific instructions given by the manufacturer. Keeping your mattress clean is vital for sleep health. If the topper can be machine washed, then follow the labeled instructions. You may use mild detergents, vinegar, and baking soda as a cleaning agent.
Four steps to clean a mattress topper
Most mattress toppers are hand washable, just follow these four steps:
- Vacuum it (get rid of dust mites and skin cells).
- Spot clean (use a clean cloth, soak the stained area with a cleaning agent, wait for 30 minutes, and then dab over the stain with a dry cloth).
- Neutralize odors (sprinkle baking soda on the entire surface of the mattress topper, let it rest for 3-5 hours, and vacuum).
- Dry it out (the topper may be dried indoors in a well-ventilated room or outside; you will probably need more than 5 hours to dry them completely. Don’t spread the wet topper back on the bed if you want to avoid mold and mildew).
Wool toppers may be machine washed, but you should use cold water, mild detergent, and minimum tumbling in your washing machine. Also, the exposure of the wool fabrics to sunlight and fresh air should be enough to neutralize odors.
Mattress Pad vs. Mattress Topper
A mattress pad is often confused with a mattress topper. Pads and toppers are similar at first glance, but they are not the same. Both products cover the top of your mattress, but their thickness and comfort level are the main differences.
A mattress pad is thinner than a mattress topper. Mattress pads are usually 1-2 inches thick, and this will not change your bed comfort as drastically as a topper.
In most cases, a latex or memory foam mattress pad can firm up your bed, whereas wool mattress pads and feather mattress pads make firm mattresses feel just a tad softer. Many people opt for fiber mattress pads because they have similar characteristics to wool or feather mattress pads, and they are suitable for sleepers sensitive to feathers.
Mattress toppers are thicker and sometimes made of two layers. If you want to change the firmness of your bed substantially, a topper is a better option than a mattress pad. The topper’s thickness prevents the mattress from premature sagging, which extends the mattress’ lifespan. Thanks to their thickness, toppers offer better body support than mattress pads. Mattress toppers are usually more durable and expensive than mattress pads.
Can a Mattress Topper Fix an Old Sagging Mattress?
A mattress topper will not make your used mattress into a new one, but it will increase your comfort and may delay buying a new mattress. The effectiveness of your topper will depend on how bad the condition of your existing mattress is. If an old mattress sags too much, a topper won’t help much. It can help you hold water until you finally decide it’s definitely time to buy a new mattress. When you do, consider using a topper from the start to avoid sagging.
The thicker the topper, the better. Place it on top of your mattress. Over time, this will even out any indents, sags, or mattress bumps and improve your sleeping quality. In addition, a mattress topper prevents sagging from forming.
A topper is easy to replace if the old one deteriorates – toppers are much cheaper than mattresses – so you can save money in the long run.
Benefits of a Mattress Topper
Mattress toppers offer numerous advantages, including additional comfort and protection of your mattress. Here are six big benefits of a mattress topper:
- It makes the bed more comfortable, softer, or firmer depending on the choice of model and materials.
- It offers body support. Many toppers have a specially crafted sleeping surface so that it relieves back pain and body stiffness.
- It protects the mattress from dust, allergens, and physical damage.
- It evens up mattress bumps formed in an old mattress and prevents springs from poking.
- It delays buying a new mattress.
- If you disagree with your sleeping partner about bed firmness, you can use a topper on one side of the bed to achieve your desired comfort level.
FAQs
Can a mattress topper be used instead of a mattress?
Yes, but only temporary – the mattress topper covers the top of your mattress. But in an urgent situation, if there is no guest bed or spare mattress you may use a mattress topper as a replacement, though this is not a permanent solution. A topper doesn’t offer the same comfort level and support as a mattress, although some people might find a super firm sleeping surface perfect. Toppers are usually made of one or two layers, while modern mattresses are multilayered and crafted to provide pressure relief and support spine alignment. Also, it’s not the best option to sleep on a floor with only a mattress topper if you have dust allergies.
Mattress cover is another name for a mattress protector or encasement. It’s a thin layer most likely made of polyester or cotton. The mattress cover’s purpose is to be a barrier around your mattress, protecting it from liquid spills, dust mites, and physical damage. It doesn’t change the overall bed comfort as mattress pads and toppers do but it rather gives protection and is practical for households with children and pets.
Mattress protectors and mattress toppers have different purposes – a mattress protector is a thinner layer that protects your mattress from spillage, while a topper provides additional comfort and adjusts the firmness of your bed. Use both if you want to ensure overall comfort and to prolong mattress life. Mattress pads are also a solution if you need fine comfort adjustments and a decent level of mattress protection.
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